Visakhapatnam: Poor infrastructure puts off tech firms

Visakhapatnam: One of the reasons why the port city is struggling to attract investments in its IT programme is the poor social ecosystem, including nightlife. Inadequate air connectivity is also considered as a hurdle. IT minister N. Lokesh said he was exploring all avenues to improve the social  ecosystem. Availability of eateries at the IT SEZ, places where one can expect alcohol to be served, improving nightlife and providing sufficient entertainment avenues are some of the proposals to attract IT investments.

“We are approaching the hotel industry and other stakeholders to improve social ecosystem in Vizag. There is also the problem of restaurants in IT SEZ. Efforts are on to open microbreweries in the city,” the minister said, adding that during a discussion with CEOs of Blockchain-based companies, the problem of poor  frequency of flights was also raised.

According to him, 60 per cent of the IT jobs in the state are coming to Vizag. “The government will acquire lands belonging to Visakhapatnam Port Trust and other public sector companies to create more space for IT companies in the city,’’ the minister said. Efforts are also on to develop Tirupati as a major IT centre. Joho Technologies, an IT company form Japan, has decided to set up its branch to provide IT  support to small and medium industries. The city is also being developed as cell phone manufacturing hub, he said. “Two out of every 10 cell phones manufactured in the country would be from Tirupati,” the minister said.